This is the reason why people get restless legs syndrome: The causes behind the neurological disorder

Sleep disorders not only impacts our need to get a full night’s rest, interrupted sleep affects our ability to properly function while we are awake and in some cases, could also also be the first symptoms of underlying mental health issues

One of the most common sleep disorders is restless legs syndrome - or Willis-Ekbom disease to give it its medical name. It’s a condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming and irresistible urge to move the legs whilst in bed - sufferers describe a crawling, tingling, or pulling sensation.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is also associated with involuntary jerking of the limbs, known as periodic limb movements (PLM). If you have ever noticed your knee or foot jerk suddenly as you nod off, that’s PLM.

Who is affected by Restless legs syndrome?

The condition baffles doctors as it affects people differently. Some experience Restless legs syndrome every day, while others only sporadically. It affects 5% to 10% of adults - and predominantly more women than men.

There is no established cause for RLS - in some instances, it’s hereditary, passed down through generations. Some neurologists have linked the condition to low dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine, which is synthesized in the brain and kidneys, has several functions - one of which is motor control - the voluntary and involuntary regulation of bodily movements, including spasms and reflexes.

Effective ways to treat RSL

RSL symptoms tend to disappear if underlying causes are addressed and successfully treated. There are a number of lifestyle changes that can be made to alleviate the condition. The first is establishing a regular time to go to bed in order to set your body clock into a rhythm. Daily exercise also helps as does quitting smoking.

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